Indigenous Agribusiness Trade Mission is the First of its Kind

By Isaac White

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is embarking on a pioneering agribusiness trade mission in Vancouver, British Columbia, from June 17-20, 2024. This unprecedented initiative will exclusively showcase products made and produced by tribal agribusinesses, shining a spotlight on the diverse and invaluable contributions of Indigenous communities to the agricultural sector.

U.S. Senator Tina Smith (D-Minn.) and Minnesota Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan (DFL) have officially announced this groundbreaking USDA trade mission dedicated to Indigenous products. Lieutenant Governor Flanagan, who will also participate in the mission with Red Lake, Inc., representing Native producers from Minnesota, shared her anticipation for this significant initiative:

“We couldn’t be more excited to host this trade mission with our partners and leaders from Tribal Nations and the Native Hawaiian Community,” stated USDA Under Secretary for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs Alexis M. Taylor. “Tribal agribusinesses produce products representing a unique and significant element of the American agricultural economy and culture. Showcasing products from Tribal and Native Hawaiian producers is long overdue, and the Canadian market could not be a better fit. This delegation shares a strong historical connection to their Tribal lands, trading networks, and agricultural resources.”

Under Secretary, Alexis M. Taylor, will lead the USDA element of this historic trade mission, joined by a diverse group of 14 tribal agribusinesses and 13 Native Nations agricultural leaders. This selection underscores the mission’s aim to reinvigorate and expand the historic agricultural trade networks amongst Native Nations across the United States and Canada.

“This trade mission will be a conduit for enhancing the already existing trade network between agriculturalists belonging to Canada and U.S. Native Nations, as well as the Native Hawaiian Community,” said Under Secretary Taylor. “USDA is proud to be collaborating with the Intertribal Agriculture Council and the Department of the Interior’s Office of Native Hawaiian Relations to bring more Native Nations farmers and agribusinesses into exporting and foreign market diversification.”

The mission aims to showcase the distinctiveness and quality of products bearing the “Made/Produced by American Indians” trademark, an emblem of authenticity and quality managed by the Intertribal Agriculture Council. This initiative represents a strategic effort to enhance the visibility of Native American products, foster economic growth within tribal communities, and open new avenues for international trade. The trademark certifies the origin of these products and safeguards the cultural heritage and traditional practices embedded within each item produced.

The trademark plays a crucial role in this trade mission. Established in 1991 and formally approved for market use in 1993, this trademark helps identify genuine American Indian-made products, protecting both producers and consumers from counterfeit goods. To qualify for this trademark, products must be made by a federally recognized Tribal member, tribal entity, or an Alaskan Village as defined by law, ensuring that the benefits of the trademark support the indigenous communities directly. This program has continuously expanded, adding new users and thereby broadening its impact on indigenous economic development through improved market access and consumer recognition.

Throughout the event in Vancouver, the delegation will participate in a variety of activities designed to foster business relationships and encourage export readiness. These include business-to-business meetings with potential Canadian importers and market briefings by USDA’s Foreign Agricultural Service staff, who will provide insights into the Canadian market landscape.

Additionally, the mission will feature educational seminars aimed at enhancing the export capabilities of Native producers and cultural activities that highlight the rich heritage of the participating communities. These engagements are expected to provide valuable networking opportunities and pave the way for future collaborations between U.S. tribal agribusinesses and Canadian counterparts, further enhancing the economic ties between the two nations.

The trade mission is anticipated to significantly impact the agricultural landscape by strengthening existing trade networks and creating new opportunities for market diversification. The strategic focus on Indigenous products is expected to not only bolster the economic base of Native American communities but also to educate international markets about the quality and uniqueness of these goods.

Under Secretary Taylor emphasized the broader implications of the mission: “Community is an ever-present characteristic of American agriculture, but especially for Native food and agri-systems,” she stated. “USDA and the Intertribal Agriculture Council share a commitment to promoting the authenticity and enriched nature of growing, harvesting, and consuming indigenous foods and agricultural products. Other markets around the world also recognize this uniqueness in American agriculture and are interested in importing these high-quality products.”

By bringing Native American and Native Hawaiian agribusinesses into the spotlight, the mission seeks to foster a greater understanding and appreciation for tribal agriculture, paving the way for enhanced economic and cultural exchanges.

The trade mission has garnered strong support from political figures who recognize the unique challenges and opportunities facing Native agribusinesses. Senator Tina Smith has been a vocal advocate for including tribal communities in international trade initiatives. She expressed her satisfaction with the progress made: “This is a historic opportunity for Native farmers and producers and Tribal businesses to access a new market for their goods. Native farmers and producers face unique and challenging barriers, and this market access will make a huge difference,” said Senator Smith. “I pushed hard to get Tribes and Native communities represented on these trade missions. I’m delighted to see such a historic trip finally come to fruition, and it will be a great benefit to not just Red Lake Nation, but the rest of Indian Country as well.”

Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan also highlighted the broader impact of showcasing Native agriculture on an international platform: “Native farmers and producers feed our families and the world,” said Lieutenant Governor Flanagan. “I am proud to lift up Native agriculture as a standard part of our Minnesota trade missions. I am looking forward to connecting with more Native farmers and producers and showcasing the products that Minnesota has to offer to our global partners. Indian Country has always led in agribusiness and innovation, and I am grateful for Senator Smith’s partnership and work to ensure my community is at the table for these important opportunities and conversations.”

These endorsements underscore the commitment at the state and federal levels to integrate Native producers into the global marketplace, recognizing their vital contributions to agriculture and their potential for growth in new markets.

The USDA’s first-ever Indigenous-focused trade mission to Vancouver represents a landmark initiative aimed at amplifying the presence of Native agribusinesses on the international stage.

As this trade mission unfolds, it is poised to foster lasting partnerships and open new channels for economic exchange for Indigenous Agribusiness.